Seven-Round Dolphins Mock Draft: Ball watcher edition

Joe Philbin's team needed to win one of the final two games to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and his offense got shutout in a 19-0 loss to Buffalo, and managed just one touchdown in a 20-7 season-ending loss to the New York Jets.

That's why anyone who says the Dolphins are healthy on offense needs to have their head examined.

Mike Sherman was fired this offseason, and has been replaced by former Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor, who helped Nick Foles develop into last year's top rated quarterback. But changing the playcallers, and possibly the offense doesn't guarantee improvements. It certainly hasn't for the past decade in Miami.

However, adding a new quarterback and more playmakers MIGHT.

Each week I plan to present a new version of a seven-round mock draft that features a different theme. This week's mock draft caters to the ball watcher crowd, the fans who obsess about the skill positions.

Ebron's quickness and athleticism has him rated as one of the 2014 draft's top 10 talents. While he needs to improve his in-line blocking, and lower body strength there's little down he could become a Dustin Keller type weapon for his next team. Adding Ebron and pairing him with Charles Clay would give the Dolphins two talents who can aggressively attack the middle of the field. Addressing the position now would be beneficial because Clay becomes a free agent in 2015 unless he signs an extension at some point this year, and Dion Sims and Michael Egnew are both mysteries.

2nd Round, Pick No. 50: Virginia offensive tackle Morgan Moses

This four-year starter is one of my favorite talents in the 2014 draft because of how well he performed at the Senior Bowl against some of this draft's best talents. Most have him projected as a second-round talent, but it wouldn't surprise anyone if Moses sneaks into the back end of the first round. He reminds me a lot of Houston's Duane Brown because of his ability to effectively run block, and pass protect. I think his feet are good enough to play left tackle in the NFL.

Murray has carried the Bulldogs for four years, throwing 121 career touchdown passes, which is an SEC record. He's a bit undersized (6-foot-0), possesses a low release, and is battling back from a season-ending knee injury (ACL). All of those factors will drop his stock a bit, and probably contribute to a slow NFL start. But with the proper investment and patience Murray should be able to challenge Ryan Tannehill for the starting spot in 2015, making him earn his status.

4th Round, Pick No. 116: Oregon receiver Josh Huff

Huff's quickness makes him one of my favorite receivers in the 2014 draft. He might be small (5-foot-11, 201 pounds) but Huff plays the game like a running back when the ball is in his hands. He'd challenge Rishard Matthews and Brandon Gibson for the role as Miami's third or fourth receiver, and could handle the return special role.

Waiting this late on an inside linebacker is risky considering how thin the position is after Alabama's C.J. Mosley, but Barrow is the type of athlete who reads and reacts well enough to possibly unseat Dannell Ellerbe for the starting spot. His speed (4.64 in the 40) and athleticism (10-foot, 3 inch board) hints he's good enough to defend athletic tight ends. It is also possible he might be better suited to play weakside linebacker, so maybe he pushes Philip Wheeler and Jelani Jenkins for that role. No matter where Barrow fits into the starting unit he'd immediately become a special teams contributor.

Halapio's career at Florida has been hindered by injuries, but when he's healthy he's a physical, strong offensive guard, who can wall off power pigs like Vince Wilfork. He's started 33 games, which means he's seasoned enough to contend for a starting spot right away. However, there's some concern that he might not be athletic enough for a zone blocking scheme, and might have issues with durability. But at this point in the draft you take the best players you can find.

Ikard is a two-time first team all-Big 12 performer, and a four-year starter for Oklahoma. He's big enough (6-foot-3, 302 pounds), and athletic enough to play guard in the NFL. If he's good enough to start at center immediately moving Mike Pouncey to left guard should be considered. If the Dolphins exercise Pouncey's fifth-year option by May 3 they won't have to worry about a center till after the 2015 season. But why not begin developing a backup plan now?